Let Lulu's Call You Sweetheart

When you walk into Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe, it’s difficult to know what to look at first.

There’s a counter filled with cupcakes, cookies and cakes.

On a back wall, there’s a display of candy.

In fact, the entire shop is a feast for the eyes with its pretty colors and nostalgic, old-fashioned furnishings. And the aromas will make your mouth water.

Owner Sandy Russo opened the shop on Valentine’s Day in 2010.

“I started Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe in 2003 on Hanover Street and then I moved here to 57 Salem Street,” she said. “I opened a satellite shop (in the Financial District at 20 Winthrop Lane) on August 9, 2012.”

That shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Salem Street shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9:00 p.m.

“This is the first gourmet cupcake shop to open in Boston,” Sandy said in reference to her North End business.

She sells “pure, home-made” cupcakes, cookies and cakes.

“All are baked daily,” Sandy said.

The signature cupcake is called “The Lulu Cream Filled” which is chocolate based with vanilla cream.

“Soon, I’ll be making on-site, homemade ice cream,” Sandy said.

Originally from Boston, Sandy has lived in the North End for 30 years.

“My mother grew up in the West End and was a baker,” she said. “I helped her and went to Newbury College in Chestnut Hill and studied culinary arts.”

Then Sandy became a chef.

“I worked in hotels in the Boston area and I used to own Eva Ristorante on Endicott Street,” she said. “When I had my daughter, I wouldn’t work the long hours in the restaurant business so I switched to baking during the morning that allowed me time and freedom to spend with her.”

Sandy then decided to open a bakery.

“It’s been successful so I opened the satellite in the Financial District,” she said. “I love to bake and come up with new recipes.”

For additional information on Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe, call 617-742-0070, visit the website (luluboston.com) or follow on twitter (@lulusweetshoppe).

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